The rivers Ganga and Yamuna are not only major sources of water for the country, but also hold major significance in terms of heritage, history and religious activities. Tracing the course of the Yamuna, one reaches the world renowned city of Agra, known across the globe for the Unesco World Heritage Site &mdash the Taj Mahal. Spotting Persian and Mughal architecture it was built in memory of Shah Jahan&rsquos wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and was categorised as a heritage site in 1983. Agra is also home to lip smacking delicacies such as Agra ki Bedi (stuffed with dal and served with curd) , jalebi as well as the famous petha.
Flowing from the Yamunotri glacier and travelling to Allahabad the river Yamuna passes through various terrains. Amidst those Agra is the second most polluted city. From 1993 the cleanliness work took place under Yamuna Action Plan. However, since 2014, Namami Gange has come into action to clean the rivers. Under the Namami Gange plan 21 projects have been launched, out of which 7 are in UP. On an average there is 28 crore litres sewage generated in Agra. Under the Namami Gange plan, the estimated cost of which is nearly Rs842 crores, 177.75 mld waste will be be managed by an established sewage plant. The Namami range action plan aims to completely shut a major sewer that empties out in the Yamuna.
A short drive away from Agra is Vrindavan, Mathura where one can hear the reverberations of the chants of Krishna well within the city. The devotees of Krishna can be seen accomplishing the 21kms long parikrama, by lying down to show their devotion and paying respects. It is perhaps only at Mathura where true devotion for Krishna can be felt in the air. Also situated near Vrindavan is the Govardhan Parbat, deeply seated in mythology and ancient tales. It is believed that nearly five thousand years ago Krishna lifted the mountain with one finger when Lord Indra used his divine powers to unleash a massive downpour on the city. Ancient tales suggest that Krishna reincarnated in the form of Shrinath and found his abode in Mathura and promised his devotees to return to Brij in the evening.
Moving along the journey of the two rivers is Kasganj. It is here in Kasganj, a few kilometres away from Agra, that Ganga&rsquos tributary, Kali, flows through the city. While the tributary begins its journey from Nadrai Bridge or the Jhal Pul, the river Ganga flows nearly 80 feet above the Kali river. Kasganj is also the birthplace of Swami Tulsidas and is home to Har ki Paudi, which is of utmost importance in the Puaranas.
In order to ensure the survival of the Ganga, it is of utmost importance that there is greenery along the river. Keeping in mind the long associated history of forests along the river in ancient times, a Ganga Van has now been established. In 2019 alone over one lakh trees were planted on a single day. Since the forest is near the religious Soro ghat, it is being developed like a sacred forest. Keeping in mind the religious beliefs and practices, 400 trees of amla, considered to be Lord Vishnu&rsquos favourite fruit, have been planted in the forest. Tying environment and religion together is another aspect in this forest, that the presence of trees according to every single planet or grah.
The river Ganga has not only inspired religious and sacred practices or reforestation drives, but also art forms. For example, the Sikri art form was born on river bank of Ganga and is now a unique art form in the country. Made from the grass that grows along the bank of the river, this art form supports many artists and their families.
The two major rivers of India &mdash Ganga and Yamuna &mdash support various life forms and livelihoods and thus it is extremely significant that all efforts towards river conservation meet their ultimate goal. It is of utmost importance for all stakeholders to combine their efforts towards conserving the rivers running across the length and the breadth of the country.